Return (2007 South Korean Film)

Return (Korean: 리턴; RR: Riteon) is a 2007 South Korean medical thriller directed by Lee Kyoo-Man. The film explores the psychological trauma resulting from intra-operative awareness, a rare phenomenon where a patient remains conscious while under general anesthesia during surgery.

Return movie poster — The official promotional poster for the film Return.

Plot

The narrative centers on a young boy who experiences "intra-operative awareness" during heart surgery due to the insufficient administration of anesthetics. Despite being paralyzed by muscle relaxants, he remains fully conscious and experiences the physical agony of the procedure. This traumatic event leads the child to commit a violent act, resulting in his placement in a mental institution. Psychiatrists eventually use experimental hypnotic techniques to suppress his traumatic memories and personality, allowing him to reintegrate into society. Twenty years later, a series of gruesome murders occurs, forcing the protagonist to confront the repressed memories of his past.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast, including:

Kim Myung-Min as Ryoo Jae-Woo
Yu Jun-Sang as Kang Wook-Han
Kim Tae-Woo as Oh Ji-Hoon
Jung Yoo-Suk as Jang Suk-Ho
Kim Yu-Mi as Seo Hee-Jin

Actor Kim Myung-Min — Kim Myung-Min, who portrays Ryoo Jae-Woo.

Actor Yu Jun-Sang — Yu Jun-Sang, who portrays Kang Wook-Han.

Actor Kim Tae-Woo — Kim Tae-Woo, who portrays Oh Ji-Hoon.

Actor Jung Yoo-Suk — Jung Yoo-Suk, who portrays Jang Suk-Ho.

Actress Kim Yu-Mi — Kim Yu-Mi, who portrays Seo Hee-Jin.

Production and Release

Return was released in South Korea on August 8, 2007, with a runtime of 113 minutes. It was distributed by CJ Entertainment and produced on a budget of approximately US$ 3.1 million. The film received its North American premiere at the 12th Fantasia Film Festival in 2008.

Still from the film — A scene from the medical thriller Return.

Reception

At the 45th Daejong Film Awards in 2008, Yu Jun-Sang received the award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film. The production was also nominated for Best Music at the same ceremony.